Recent Innovations and Developmental Considerations in Mentalization‐Based Therapy for Adolescents: A Case Illustration
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Mentalization-based therapy for adolescents (MBT-A) is a treatment modality with an evidence base for young people struggling with borderline personality disorder, depression, and self-harm. Recently, several innovations to MBT-A have been described to expand its utility to new populations. In this paper, we first describe the basic structure of MBT-A and its interventions. Second, we describe developmental considerations of working with adolescents. Third, we describe recent innovations to MBT-A which expand its utility to new populations: (1) nosological reform toward a dimensional model of psychopathology, (2) mentalizing as a transdiagnostic factor for all adolescents receiving psychotherapy regardless of specific disorder or treatment modality, and (3) an explicit focus on the social context of the adolescent outside of the therapy room. We use case material to demonstrate the basic MBT-A structure and highlight the recent innovations which expand its utility.
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology
DOI: 10.1002/jclp.70071
Authors: Madeleine Allman, Carla Sharp
Institutions: University of Houston, University of the Free State
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,710
OpenAlex ID: W4416724721